News
Issue No. 15 - February/March 2004
News Snapshots
Water and the Australian Economy
Ensuring an efficient and sustainable supply of water will be the theme for a national conference on “Water and the Australian Economy" being organised by CEDA on March 16 at the Adelaide Convention Centre. A report by CEDA of the same title will be launched by Rt Hon Ian Sinclair, AC, President of the Murray Darling Basin Commission. A major focus at the conference will be issues surrounding the emerging framework for the trading of water rights, including legal and financial issues. An international perspective will be given by Philippe Laval, Managing Director of United Water and Hon Jay Weatherill, MP, Minister responsible for SA Water, will give a keynote address. Further details are available at www.ceda.com.au.
EDS recruitment drive
Global IT services company EDS has hired more than 80 new employees in Adelaide as the company takes advantage of Australia’s time difference with other major markets. The latest expansion further reinforces SA as a major hub for EDS in the region, with various key operations headquartered here. Today EDS employs more than 2000 staff, making it one of the State’s largest private employers. “Adelaide currently handles work for EDS throughout the Eastern seaboard and overseas, with the capacity to target further markets," says Karl Grant, EDS Adelaide Solution Centre Manager.
RM Williams’ quick change award
A team at bush outfitter RM Williams has saved nearly $900,000 in production costs through streamlining machine—changeover procedures following an 8—month competition run by the Centre for Innovation, Business and Manufacturing (CIBM). They slashed the changeover time on a machine that sews pockets on jeans and shirts from 56 minutes to just over two—and—a—half minutes — a 95% improvement. RM Williams now has more flexibility and is more responsive to market demands. Lead time from order ...
